The City of Worcester provides trash and recycling collection for residential buildings with 1 to 6 units. Recycling collection is free, but trash must be placed in official yellow Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) bags, which are available for purchase at locations throughout the City.
Buildings with 7 or more units must arrange for their own trash and recycling collection services. However, residents of these buildings can still access the City's Residential Drop-Off Center for recycling and related programs.
The City of Worcester's Trash and Recycling program is managed by the Department of Public Works & Parks.
Pay-As-You-Throw Curbside Collection for 1-6 Residential Unit Buildings
Recycling
Schedule
Trash Disposal
Take the guesswork out of waste management with our newly released guide. Learn how to properly dispose of bulk items and textiles, navigate recycling as a renter, and understand what belongs on your curb for collection. This comprehensive resource is designed to help you manage trash and recycling efficiently and responsibly.
Learn more about the Dos and Don'ts of Trash & Recycling in Worcester. You will find a quick guide to recycling right, using city-approved trash bags, scheduling bulk waste appointments, and the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Learn MoreWorcester 311 Requests
- To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.
Drop Off Center for All Worcester Residents
Worcester Residents Only
The Drop Off Center services Worcester residents’ waste needs. Proof of residency is required. Commercial vehicles are not permitted.
Bulk Waste Disposal Christmas Tree Drop-Off Hazardous Waste Days Yard Waste Drop-Off
How It Works
The drop-off center allows residents to dispose of an unlimited number of Bulk Waste Disposal items in a timely manner and at a low cost. The City holds drop-off days specifically for household Hazardous Waste Day. There is also a yard waste drop-off area and a compost/winter sand pickup area.
Keep Worcester Clean
Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) is a coordinated, year-round city-wide effort that encompasses all of the municipality's beautification programs and initiatives. It is driven by interdepartmental collaboration and community participation to keep our city clean and influence others to do the same. Learn all about our KWC programs and how you can get involved!
Worcester Green Corps
The Worcester Green Corps mission is to clean and beautify the City of Worcester on a year-round basis, while prioritizing environmental responsibility alongside economic growth. About Worcester Green Corps
Beyond the Bin
Not sure what to do with an item? RecycleSmart.org has helpful resources:
- Visit the Beyond the Bin website to find where to donate or recycle items that are too good to trash.
- Search the Recycle Smart Recyclopedia to see if an item belongs in your recycling bin.
Clothing Pickup Service
The City of Worcester has a partnership with Helpsy to offer a free and easy home pickup clothing recycling collection service for the local community.
Worcester's First Zero Waste Master Plan
Learn about the 2026 Zero Waste Master Plan - an aspirational and comprehensive roadmap toward a more sustainable future. To learn more about waste in Worcester, check out our Green Worcester Dashboard.
Contact Information
Address
Trash and Recycling
20 East Worcester Street
Worcester, MA 01604
Contact
Phone: 508-929-1300
Fax: 508-799-1448
311@worcesterma.gov
Hours
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.